Let’s be honest, one of the best parts about each year coming to a close is sitting down to recall all of the amazing music from throughout the year. Whether discovering brand new artists or falling more in love with fresh tracks from old favorites, we all find standouts; those songs that will stick with you long after the year is over. I’ve put together a list of songs that I still can’t get enough of… my top five of 2012!

“Five Seconds” – Twin Shadow

This song combines a few of my favorite things: 80’s synth, catchy lyrics, and the urge to dance the night away! You, too? Okay then, get down with your bad self!

“Youth Without Youth” – Metric

Hard-hitting and always blatantly honest, Metric hits the jackpot with this stellar track. Emily Haines is a rock ‘n’ roll goddess, and I pretty much want to be her when I grow up. No lie.

“Fineshrine” – Purity Ring

Purity Ring is, without a doubt, one of my favorite newcomers from this year. Both dreamy and delightful, this sweet single is one that I’m sure I’ve played one hundred times too many. But who’s really counting?

“It’s Time” – Imagine Dragons

An anthem of sorts, for all us misfits, “It’s Time” is sure to give you a heaping helping of the warm fuzzies. Turn it on, turn it up, and take over the world! Figuratively speaking.

“Feel So Close” – Calvin Harris

I’m a sucker for a catchy love song, especially when it’s sung by Calvin Harris (Swoon, much?). This song stood out amongst hundreds and it still makes my heart go pitter patter!

And as it turns out, I couldn’t choose just five awesome songs from 2012, so stay tuned for part two…!

Every now and then, when the universe feels like being gracious, a truly beautiful man (er vampire… er dwarf?!) is sprung upon us.
And it’s often when we least expect it!
Case in point: Aidan Turner.

Age: 29Born: June 19, 1983 in South Dublin, IrelandWhere you may know him: Currently starring as Kíli, a delectable dwarf in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.
Also played a vampiric babe with a taste for blood in the original British version of Being Human.Upcoming: Aidan will star as Luke Garroway in the film adaptation of the popular young adult series The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones.

Why We’re Crushin': Aside from the obvious curly locks, pouty lips, and those eyes (Oh, those eyes!), this handsome Irishman has some serious acting chops. Whether he’s playing a tortured, brooding vampire or a cheerful resident of Middle-earth, he is both captivating, convincing, and utterly dreamy. We are more than thrilled that he is signed on for not one but two sequels to The Hobbit, because the big screen does Aidan Turner gooooood.

It’s been a while, weary traveler, but we’re on the road again! Presents are in the truck, and there’s a big glass of eggnog awaiting your arrival. Let’s keep your spirits high with another playlist of too-good tunes, hand-picked just for you! Ready, set, here we gooo!

1. Hittin’ the Road: Walk the Moon – “Jenny”

I’ve got a total crush on Walk the Moon, and this song definitely isn’t helping. Time to set an awesome tone for the drive. Hit the gas and swoon away!

2. Cruise Control: Lykke Li & Drake – “Little Bit”

How about a double-dose of dreamy to really get you in the groove? Lykke Li and Drake are here to serenade you, soulful and sweet. Bob your head and take those turns carefully!

3. Pit Stop: Lovedrug – “Pink Champagne”

Halfway home? Time for some fuel! What better pick-me-up than a group of studly rockers singing just for you? Uh, the correct answer is nothing. So go on, listen to this love song of sorts and maybe even do a little steering wheel drumming. I won’t tell, promise!

4. Second Wind: Elbow – “Grounds for Divorce”

Hard-hitting and gritty, this song is a must for all long drives. Crack the windows, hot stuff, those dance moves are too hot to handle and you’re foggin’ it up in here.

5. Final Stretch – The Divine Fits – “Would That Not Be Nice”

That killer base line is all you need to drive it right on home. It’s smooth sailing for the last few miles! So smooth that I’m pretty sure you just passed your house. But alas, you’ve arrived, safe and totally sound!

Don’t forget to listen carefully, cadillac cuties, and obey the rules of rock!
Hey, maybe next time we can carpool?

Winter weather got you down? I’ve got five little ditties to turn that gloomy day frown upside down! It may be raining cats and dogs, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be a party animal!

The Black Keys – “Lonely Boy”

This video alone should be enough to get you out of that recliner and dancing on your coffee table. It’s okay, no one has to know about your pink robe. Shake your money-maker, hot stuff! But don’t knock over your fancy Rodarte mug.

Robyn – “Dancing On My Own”

Fact: This song is a Lulus favorite and was recently played loud (on repeat) at the birthday party of our fabulous Web Operations Manager! And guess what? Even the boys of Lulus.com got in on that action (and they know all the words).

This lyric: “We got no money, but we got hu-heeeaaart. We’re gonna rattle this ghost town!” makes me want to change the world. Or at least change out of my sweats. They just make it so easy to get jiggy with it! Am I right?!

Neon Trees – “Everybody Talks”

If you can sit still while watching/listening to Tyler Glenn, well, you have more self control than I do. Put on a little Neon Trees and it’s insta-sunshine! You’re more than welcome to sing this one at the top of your lungs. It’s more fun that way!

There you have it! Beat the rainy day blues in just five songs, and get your groove back!

It’s a cold winter night and you find yourself all cozied up to a fire, with a mug of hot chocolate, ready to relax. You reach for the remote, but suddenly- your big brother puts on football, your grandpa starts snoring like a freight train, and your parents have had a little too much wine and are stumbling down memory lane (Dad used to be in an 80’s hair band, what?)! The holidays typically mean you’re surrounded by family. And if your family is anything like mine, we tend to drive each other a liiiittle nuts during the holidays. There’s only one solution to the madness: Corralling everyone into one room, popping in a good movie, and letting laughter commence!

Everyone has their favorites, but here are my top five fun flicks to help keep your family sane during the holidays!

A Christmas Story -“FRA-GEE-LAY!”

How many times have you wanted to quadruple dog dare your friends to try and lick a frozen pole? Or have you ever wished your dad would just take that darn leg lamp out of the front window? Don’t you wish your bright pink bunny footie pajamas were socially acceptable? This movie is perfect for you. Trust me.

Christmas Vacation – “Little full, lotta sap.”

The Griswold’s could make any family look like the Von Trapp’s. This movie has all the basics: Christmas tree catching on fire, woman getting attacked by squirrel, and Chevy Chase. If those aren’t reasons enough to love this hilarious holiday flick, I just don’t know what is!

Love Actually – “Let’s go get the s*** kicked out of us by love!”

There’s just something about the holidays that puts me in the mood for love. Maybe it’s the mistletoe, maybe it’s the showering of gifts. Either way, I’m a sucker for an uber romantic holiday movie! Who wouldn’t want the one and only Andrew Lincoln (Walking Dead, anyone?) to show up at their door with cue cards confessing his love? It’s almost too romantic to handle! Almost.

Home Alone – “KEVINNNNN!”

Little Kevin McCallister is pretty much a parent’s worst nightmare. He’s a smart-mouthed trouble-maker, but gosh is he cute! So cute his parents forget about him, leave for a trip to Paris, and then utter mayhem ensues! If you don’t already know about the after-shave/face slap/Macauley Culkin scream scene, well, now’s your chance!

Elf – “I just love to smile, smiling’s my favorite!”

Cliche as it may be, Elf is too stinkin’ adorable and heartwarming to not be a favorite! Will Ferrell and Zooey Deschanel are perfect, and this is definitely a movie to help restore your holiday spirit! Don’t believe me? Try making it through the first ten minutes without cracking so much as a smile – I dare ya! “Bye Buddyyyy!” Totes. Adorbs.

Now it’s time to sit back, relax, and enjoy some holiday movies!
Have fun, snow angels!